Shovels and trowels are formed from metal and plastic for enhanced soil and sand penetration, and for cutting into roots. The shovels and trowels can each have one or more narrow tip teeth edges extending outward from the front end of the blade, the teeth edges each having embossed surface portions for strengthening the blade and disbursing stress during digging applications. The embossed portions can be indented. The embossed portions can be raised. A shovel version can also have foot brakes on both side of the handle above the rear end of the blade, to allow for a stable and safe foot placement.